Gunmen Abduct Akwa Ibom Monarch

The town of Ikot Edet in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State was thrown into Tuesday after the head, Chief Mfon Udoessien, was kidnapped by gunmen.

Vanguard reports that Chief Udoessien was whisked away from his palace by the gunmen after a fierce gun battle with the security agents drafted to provide security in the restive region.

The monarch is said to be a brother-in-law to a former Head of Civil Service in Akwa Ibom State, and locals suspect his abduction may have to do with his stance on cultism.

According to him, Udoessien, a retired primary school headmaster and former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, in the area, has relentlessly been waging war against the activities of gunmen, who have kidnapped no fewer than eight persons in the village.

A resident, identified simply as Eno, said: “We think the kidnappers came after the Village Head because of how he has been opposing their activities.

“As of now, we don’t know his whereabouts as the kidnappers are yet to contact any members of the monarch’s family.”

The kidnap has been confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Odiko Macdon, who said a meeting of the local government chairman and the security chiefs had been convened.

“Security measures are in place; we just concluded a meeting with all the local government chairmen and the security chiefs in the state. That issue came up during the meeting; it is being addressed,” he said.

“Our men ran into action immediately. The DPO led a team to the palace.”